Virtual Shakespeare Summer Camp offered by Livermore Shakes

(Livermore) – Social distancing won’t keep Local professional theater company Livermore Shakes from giving kids the opportunity to step into the world of Shakespeare this summer with their Virtual Shakespeare Summer Camp. “The show must go on” says the company’s Education Director, Lindsey Schmeltzer. “We have spent the last couple of months re-imagining and re-designing what a performing arts summer camp looks like online. We came up with the idea to deliver a camp toolkit to each camper before the start of the session. We hope it adds an air of mystery and anticipation to the camp experience. We have also found ways to incorporate physical activity into the experience. This won’t be another week of just sitting in front of a screen,” emphasizes Schmeltzer.

There are two sessions for 3rd through 5th graders, Shakespeare: Snippets and Silly Songs offered July 13th-17th, from 9AM-12PM and Shakespeare: Forests and Fantasy offered July 20th-24th from 9AM-12PM. Students will spend the week learning basic acting skills, while building confidence, collaboration and creativity. Activities will include: Basic Scene Study, Movement and Physical Comedy, Singing and Dancing, Crafting Props and Costumes, and Theatre Games. The week will culminate in an online sharing of scenes and songs from some of Shakespeare’s famous comedies.

One 2-week session will be offered for grades 6-8 with the theme of Shakespeare Selections: Be Bold and Brave with the Bard, July 13th-24th from 1PM-4PM. During this time of uncertainty, it can be hard to feel bold and brave. In this camp students will dive into the worlds of Shakespeare’s boldest and bravest characters. Through physical theatre activities and text work they will explore what makes these characters bold and brave, and how their words might help them find confidence and courage in themselves. Activities will include: Acting, Movement, Voice Training, Improvisation, Crafting Props and Costumes and Theater Games. Students will collaborate on a 20-minute ensemble driven production featuring scenes and speeches from Shakespeare’s best known works.

Livermore Shakespeare Festival will produce Some Have Greatness, a Virtual Shakespeare themed summer camp July 13-17 from 9AM-12PM and July 20-24th from 9AM-12PM for kids entering 3rd through 5th grades. Fee is $250. For kids entering 6th through 8th grades, camp will be offered July 13-24 from 1-4pm. Fee is $500. For more information and registration, visit LivermoreShakes.org/Shakespeare-Summer-Camp or call (925) 443-2273.